Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPsoriasis in or Around Your NoseDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Psoriasis in or Around Your Nose
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriasis on the faceis relatively common, occurring in approximately 50% of psoriasis cases.However,psoriasisthat occurs solely on or inside the nose is rare.Psoriasis of the nose (and other areas of the face) can be hard to treat because of the sensitivity of the skin in these areas.
This article discusses psoriasis of the nose, including diagnosis and treatment.
Cunaplus_M. Faba/Getty Images
What Is Psoriatic Disease?
When psoriatic lesions appear in the sensitive areas of the mouth and nose, they are typically gray or white.The lesions may also be found on the gums and tongue; inside the cheeks; inside the nose; or on thelips.
Facial lesions more commonly appear on the sides of the nose and the area between the top lip and the nose. The skin is thinner and more sensitive in this area than it is in other parts of the body where psoriasis can occur, making these lesions particularly hard to treat.
Psoriasis of only the nose is very uncommon. It’s important to see a dermatologist, who can rule out more common conditions and ensure you get the proper treatment.
6 Psoriasis Myths Busted
To make a diagnosis of psoriasis, a healthcare provider will do a physical examination and take a thorough medical history to help them rule out other possible causes of a person’sskin symptoms.
A tissue sample (biopsy) is not usually needed to diagnose psoriasis, but when lesions are found in areas where it rarely occurs (such as inside the nose), a study of tissue (histopathology) may help differentiate psoriasis fromother skin disorders.
Why Skin Biopsy Is UsedA small sample of skin might be taken for microscopic examination in the lab (biopsy). A skin biopsy can be done to:Confirm adiagnosis of psoriasisDifferentiate thetype of psoriasis(such asplaque psoriasisandguttate psoriasis)Help rule outother disorders
Why Skin Biopsy Is Used
A small sample of skin might be taken for microscopic examination in the lab (biopsy). A skin biopsy can be done to:Confirm adiagnosis of psoriasisDifferentiate thetype of psoriasis(such asplaque psoriasisandguttate psoriasis)Help rule outother disorders
A small sample of skin might be taken for microscopic examination in the lab (biopsy). A skin biopsy can be done to:
How to Recognize and Treat Psoriasis on the Face
Medical Treatment
Treatment of psoriasison the face can be complex and must be carefully considered because the skin is delicate.
Common psoriasis treatments andmedicationsfor lesions on the nose and face include:
You should not stop treatment suddenly without consulting with your dermatologist. Abruptly discontinuing treatment can cause a rebound flare-up of psoriasis symptoms.
Why Isn’t There a Medical Procedure for Psoriasis?
Medications to Avoid for Psoriasis of the Nose
Some medications should not be used on the face to treat psoriasis on the nose or around the nose. These medications include:
How Can Psoriasis Be Treated?
Home Treatment
Home remedies for psoriasisof the face may include over-the-counter (OTC) products (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) or other OTC topical (on the skin) preparations. These products should be used only with the approval of the healthcare provider.
One example of an approved moisturizing cream is CeraVe Psoriasis Cream. Other recommended skin care products can be found on theNational Psoriasis Foundationwebsite.
The 10 Best Psoriasis Lotions to Soothe Rashes, Patches and Other Symptoms
Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes may also be recommended as part of the treatment of psoriasis. Several factors are linked with helping to prevent symptoms from getting worse or flaring up, including:
Tips for Living Well If You Have Psoriasis
When to See a Doctor
There are several circumstances when you should seek medical care for psoriasis, whether it’s on your face, nose, or somewhere else on your body.
You should talk to your doctor if:
Plaque Psoriasis: Pictures and Symptoms of the Types You May See on Your Body
How do you get rid of psoriasis on your nose?
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) skin condition. While it’s rare for it to only involve the nose, it is possible. The condition usually involves ongoing periods of flare-ups and remissions.
While there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and help avoid flare-ups, there is no cure for psoriasis.
What causes psoriasis on the face?
The exactcause of psoriasisis unknown, but genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of the disorder.
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system disorder that causes skin cells to regenerate faster than normal. This rapid turnover rate of new skin cells causes the symptoms of plaque psoriasis (the most common form of psoriasis), which includes scales and red patches on the skin.
What does psoriasis on the face look like?
Psoriasis on the face involves thick, scaly patches of white or gray lesions. It may occur around or inside the nose, as well as in the space between the nose and the upper lip.
What type of treatment is used for psoriasis on the face?
It can be difficult to treat facial psoriasis because the skin is very sensitive. Low-concentration (such as 1%) hydrocortisone cream is often used for psoriasis on the face because it is less likely to cause side effects, such as thinning skin, than other products.
Could These Medications Be Triggering Your Psoriasis Flares?
A Word From Verywell
Psoriasis on only the nose is uncommon, but it can happen. If your dermatologist diagnoses you with facial psoriasis that involves your nose, it can be hard to treat this delicate area of skin. You might need to try several treatments, such as topical medications and light therapy, until you find something that helps control your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
You may experience feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or even depression if your psoriasis is in a highly visible place, such as your face and nose. Getting involved with apsoriasis support groupmay help you cope with the emotional effects of the condition.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face, eyes, and ears.Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Psoriasis and sensitive areas.Trayes KP, Savage K, Studdiford JS.Annular Lesions: Diagnosis and Treatment.Am Fam Physician.98(5):283-291.National Psoriasis Foundation.FDA approves VTAMA for adults with psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Must-Have Lotions.Svanström C, Lonne-Rahm SB, Nordlind K.Psoriasis and alcohol.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2019;9:75-79. Published 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.2147/PTT.S164104Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Coping With the Emotional Pain of Psoriasis.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face, eyes, and ears.Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Psoriasis and sensitive areas.Trayes KP, Savage K, Studdiford JS.Annular Lesions: Diagnosis and Treatment.Am Fam Physician.98(5):283-291.National Psoriasis Foundation.FDA approves VTAMA for adults with psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Must-Have Lotions.Svanström C, Lonne-Rahm SB, Nordlind K.Psoriasis and alcohol.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2019;9:75-79. Published 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.2147/PTT.S164104Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Coping With the Emotional Pain of Psoriasis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face, eyes, and ears.Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Psoriasis and sensitive areas.Trayes KP, Savage K, Studdiford JS.Annular Lesions: Diagnosis and Treatment.Am Fam Physician.98(5):283-291.National Psoriasis Foundation.FDA approves VTAMA for adults with psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Must-Have Lotions.Svanström C, Lonne-Rahm SB, Nordlind K.Psoriasis and alcohol.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2019;9:75-79. Published 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.2147/PTT.S164104Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Coping With the Emotional Pain of Psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face, eyes, and ears.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.Psoriasis and sensitive areas.
Trayes KP, Savage K, Studdiford JS.Annular Lesions: Diagnosis and Treatment.Am Fam Physician.98(5):283-291.
National Psoriasis Foundation.FDA approves VTAMA for adults with psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Must-Have Lotions.
Svanström C, Lonne-Rahm SB, Nordlind K.Psoriasis and alcohol.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2019;9:75-79. Published 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.2147/PTT.S164104
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Coping With the Emotional Pain of Psoriasis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
